Quinacrine fluorescence staining of chromosomes and its relationship to DNA base composition

The quinacrine banding patterns of chromosomes of Dipodomys ordii and Mus musculus are described. Satellite and mainband DNA fractions from D. ordii and M. musculus were tested for their ability to quench or enhance the fluorescence of quinacrine dihydrochloride in solution. The relationship between the base composition of a particular DNA fraction, its effect on the fluorescence of quinacrine in solution and its location in chromosomes relative to the quinacrine banding pattern is discussed.